Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Democrats Comply With Bush Limits in Spending Package

Democratic Congressional leaders signed off on a spending package that increases funds for programs that cater to the uninsured and underinsured but in most cases does not exceed President Bush’s spending goals. The House is expected to vote on the bill Tuesday. New York Times et al.

California Stem Cell Agency Panel OKs 12 Building Grant Requests

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s governing board will review the grant applications next month and vote on whether to forward them on to the next round of the review process. The grants will help cover construction costs for new research facilities. San Diego Union-Tribune.

Peake Wins OK as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Agency

President Bush said one of retired Army Lt. Gen. James Peake’s first tasks as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs will be adopting recommendations for improvements to veterans’ health care by a presidential panel. CQ Today, AP/Detroit News.

U.S. Boosts Oversight of Marketing of Medicare Plans

Acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems says there are violations of federal rules for marketing Medicare plans and that offenses are less serious than earlier cases. However, insurance experts say official data underestimates the extent of the problem. New York Times.

Placer County To Offer Managed Care Plans to Medi-Cal Beneficiaries

Placer County is one of 13 counties chosen by Gov. Schwarzenegger to begin operating Medi-Cal managed care programs as lower-cost alternatives to fee-for-service plans. Participation in the plan will be mandatory for women and children enrolled in Medi-Cal. Sacramento Business Journal.